Excel conditional formatting formulas from a plain-English rule.
Describe the highlight. Copy a US-English formula with relative refs, then paste it under New Rule, Use a formula.
Need a cell formula insteadWritten for Excel New Rule, not a cell
A cell formula returns a value. A conditional formatting formula returns TRUE or FALSE for each cell in Applies to. This tool writes the second kind: mixed refs such as $A2, COUNTIF for duplicates, and the Home tab steps to paste it.
How to get a useful rule
- Name the column that drives the format, such as Status in D.
- Say whether the fill should cover the whole row or only that column.
- Give the data range when you know it, for example A2:G100.
- Mention blanks, text vs numbers, and whether row 1 is a header.
Conditional formatting FAQ
Where do I paste the formula in Excel?
Select the Applies to range, then Home, Conditional Formatting, New Rule. Choose Use a formula to determine which cells to format, paste the formula, and set the fill or font.
Why does the formula use $A2 instead of A2?
Conditional Formatting evaluates the formula for the top-left cell of the selected range, then adjusts relative refs for every other cell. $A2 locks column A so a whole row can follow one status cell.
Can it highlight an entire row?
Yes. Describe that the format should apply to the row, name the status column, and include the data range. The generator returns a mixed reference such as =$D2="Late".
Does this work in Google Sheets?
This page is locked to US-English Microsoft Excel. Sheets custom formulas use a different dialog. Use the Google Sheets generator for Sheets work.